Nitish, Lalu, Paswan resume campaign after Chhath

PATNA - A day after Chhath festivities ended, Bihar’s top three politicians were back on the campaign trail Sunday for the last round of the six-phase state assembly elections Nov 20.

Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad and alliance partner Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) chief Ram Vilas Paswan had taken a break from hectic campaigning to be with their families for Chhath, one of the most popular festivals of the state.

An official close to Nitish Kumar told IANS he will address around four public meetings Sunday. “After keeping away for three days and taking rest at his official residence, Nitish Kumar has resumed campaigning,” the official said Sunday.

Choppers of Nitish Kumar and archrival Lalu Prasad fly out to places where they will campaign for the remaining 26 assembly seats of the 243-member house.

Lalu Prasad had celebrated Chhath with elaborate rituals, with his wife and former chief minister Rabri Devi observing a fast on the occasion. Rabri Devi’s Chhath Puja celebrations have been gala affairs every year, attracting attention ever since she became chief minister in 1997.

Ram Vilas Paswan and his wife Rina too participated in celebrations at his daughter-in-law’s residence here.

The four-day Chhath festival, dedicated to the sun god, began Wednesday with millions of devotees offering prayers at river banks across the state and came to an end Saturday.